Jantar Mantar, New Delhi seeking early settlement of ‘one rank, one pension’ issue.

Assuring the ex-servicemen of NPP support, Prof.Bhim Singh urged the Union Govt. and Defence Minister to ensure early redressal of all grievances of retired military personnel who have fought for the defense of our borders and for hpholding the national honour and the flag. He regretted that army men who risk their lives for defending our freedom and liberties were forced to take to streets for realizing what was genuinely due to them. He said that the assurances for ‘one rank, one pension’ were being given to the ex-army personnel for the last several years but no steps were ever initiated by the successive governments to translate the same into reality.

English: Jantar Mantar (Delhi) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Reminding PM Modi of his tall sloganeering during elections, Prof.Bhim Singh said that BJP had promised the fulfillment of the OROP issue within 100 days after coming to power which slogan was most shamefully discarded by the said party after coming to power. He assured the ex-servicemen to take up his cause with the Defence Minister at the earliest and advised the NPP workers to stand by ex-servicemen in the country.

A delegation of the NPP leaders led by Mr. Harsh Dev Singh, Chairman-JKNPP and Former Minister today submitted a memorandum in the office of Information & Broadcasting Ministry, New Delhi which was duly received and acknowledged by the personal action of the said Minister in his absence who assured to put up the same before the Minister with further assurance of an early reply on the subject.

Mr. Harsh Dev Singh pointed out in the memorandum that the demand for a full fledged ‘Satellite Duggar Channel’ has been projected by various Social, Cultural and Literary organizations for the best several years which unfortunately has gone unaddressed and unattended. He said that the assurances given by successive governments in the past on the subject have proved to be mere hyperboles. He said that the demand is most genuine and deserves priority consideration of the GOI so as to project and promote the rich culture and heritage of Jammu region. While the operationlization of Kashir Channel by DD Kashmir is welcome, the denial of Dugger Channel for Jammu is deplorable, he added.

Making out a strong case for Duggar Channel, Mr. Singh maintained that the credit for raising the geographical and political state of Jammu and Kashmir and consolidation and securing of Nation’s boundaries goes to Dogras. Only recently, he pointed out that 18 Jawans of 6 Dogra regiment sacrificed their lives in Manipur for the defense of the Nation. Majority of Dogras have joined armed forces and are fighting for the defense of our land and for safeguarding our frontiers. He argued that it will also be a tribute to our valiant Dogra soldiers and warriors who have made countless sacrifices with their great conquests in the Himalayan region extending upto Tibet. Dogras have further contributed to the process of nation building in all walks of life including music, arts, drama, economy, education etc. Dogri language has produced eminent men of letters who have made meaningful contributions in the field of Journalism, Poetry, Science and literature. The proposed channel would provide opportunities to several talented youth and students besides others to display their ingenuity and skill.

Mr. Harsh Dev Singh said ‘Duggar Channel’ if operationalized would cater to estimated 32,200 Sq Kms of area including vast area of Himachal as well as huge population on the other side of LoC. On the contrary Kashir Channel is catering to only around 15,900 Sq Kms. Further, even the sister languages like Gojri, Mirpuri, Punjabi, Pahari, Poonchi and Bhaderwahi will also get a boost if Duggar Channel is made functional. The demand for the channel is not only being raised by people residing in Jammu region but also by nonresident Dogras who wish to remain in touch with their rich traditions and vibrant cultural roots, he said.

Mr. Singh said the proposed Duggar Channel would not only help establishing emotional and cultural links but also help in countering the highly malevolent and obnoxious Pak propaganda unleashed from across the border. He said that in view of urgency and genuineness of the said demand for Duggar Channel the same was required to be addressed on priority.